By Chris Mc Loone
Many FDIC International attendees may not realize that a good portion of the manufacturer representatives they meet at the show are actually end users of the myriad products available at the exhibition. Such is the case for Rod Carringer, chief marketing officer at Task Force Tips (TFT), who offers this appraisal of the event. “After more than 30 years with TFT and more than 42 years with the fire department, I have had the opportunity in my career to attend and participate in well over 1,000 conferences and exhibitions globally,” he says. “For those of us who take our craft seriously, there is no better venue to learn or teach. Face to face. Touch, feel, experience, and share. As a manufacturer, the ability to communicate our messages about our products with potential customers, see in person what our competitors are doing, and to learn and gain input on potential new product development projects has been critical to our success. While today’s digital communication technologies offer incredible opportunities, a conference venue such as FDIC International cannot be replaced or duplicated. The cumulative knowledge of equipment, training, operations, and emergency services management found in Indianapolis during FDIC is unique and not duplicated anywhere else on this planet.”
On the “touch, feel, experience, and share” front, Carringer mentions what TFT will be introducing at the show this year. “While there will be over a dozen new product introductions in the TFT booth, one of the most unusual dichotomies is the introduction of both the smallest and largest monitors we have ever produced,” he says. “The STORM micromonitor has been developed specifically for global brush truck applications where low flow and space constraints left our popular TORNADO monitors too big. At only about 12 inches tall and with a target flow rate of 80 to 100 gpm, this STORM manual or remote control package is an ideal choice for smaller brushfire apparatus.
“On the other end of the spectrum is the new TSUNAMI mega monitor, an 8,000-gpm design created specifically for OEM partners building apparatus for high-hazard applications such as petrochemical processing, storage, and transportation. Several units will be on display on OEM apparatus on the show floor as well as in the TFT booth.
“Additionally, new water flow projects such as a Jumbo Water Thief, slow-close valve integration into all water supply appliances, and the expansion of the VORTEX smooth bore series will all be highlighted at the show. TFT nozzles will also be in use in Bullex’s HEAT program on South Street.”
TFT will also introduce a new ProPak foam injection and application system that has been developed specifically for rapid field decontamination of firefighters after active suppression duties. “Many now are looking to mitigate potential carcinogens and stem the rising tide of firefighter cancer incidents,” says Carringer. “This new ‘green’ decon ProPak has been developed to work easily from a garden hose, or any fire hose, applying any detergent decontamination agent a department wants to use. This concept is simple—brush off/wash off/rinse off before a firefighter can come into further contact with contamination before getting back on the rig to return. It is one more tool to help agencies work toward the rapid on-site removal of known carcinogens from PPE before coming in contact with responders. We are in field trials for these units and will have three in the NewForce Booth for viewing and feedback.
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Posted: Apr 24, 2017
We're broadcasting live every day from the Indianapolis Convention Center during the week of FDIC International 2017! Today's hangout features Anthony Kastros and Ed Hadfield (of the "Command Post" show), Larry Conley, and Bill Greenwood (of "Tap the Box.")
Watch in the player above.
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Posted: Apr 24, 2017
Sutphen Corporation’s SLR 75 introduced at FDIC International 2016. (Photo by Tim Olk.)
By Chris Mc Loone
At FDIC International 2016, Sutphen introduced its first rear-mount aerial as it revealed its SLR 75 for the first time to attendees. According to Alissa McGlone, marketing and trade show manager for Sutphen, the company will be building on the positive response its first rear-mount aerial has received. “Sutphen continues to focus on growing our already extensive line of aerial products at this year’s FDIC,” says McGlone. “We will release the newest member of our rear-mount aerial ladder product line, the SLR 108. We’ve had tremendous response to the SLR 75 we unveiled last year, so we are excited to keep that momentum going with the 108-foot version.”
FDIC International is a suitable venue for such an introduction, given its importance for meeting current and potential end users. “For Sutphen, the most important part of exhibiting at FDIC is meeting the attendees who come from all over the United States and internationally,” comments McGlone. “There’s nothing we love more than meeting with attendees from all ranks in the fire service and talking to them about their job and how Sutphen can make a different in their departments and their jobs.” McGlone adds that Sutphen’s mission is to build the safest, most reliable fire apparatus in the world through innovation and customer focus. “It is the connection we make with the attendees at FDIC that makes that mission a reality for us,” she says. “We speak to them about the challenges they face on the job and how our apparatus can help. We take those conversations back to the factory and get to work. FDIC gives us the opportunity to meet with more firefighters than we could anywhere else.
And, according to McGlone, the conference and exhibition also benefit attendees by exposing them to the best of the best. “They have the opportunity to see the best of the best that is available in the fire service industry,” she says. “There are advancements being made constantly, and new products are being released every year. Even if they were here last year or the year before, they’re guaranteed to see something and exciting this year.”
McGlone explains further why firefighters and suppliers should not want to miss this event. “FDIC International has proven to be the best of the best, year after year. Whether it is educational classes, hands-on training, or checking out the best that the industry has to offer in products, you can’t go wrong by making the trip as an attendee,” she says. “If you are a supplier in the industry and want to get up close and personal with the fire and EMS professionals that will use your products, you don’t want to miss this show.
FDIC International attendees can see Sutphen’s new SLR 108 at booth 3123.
For more information, visit www.sutphen.com.
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